The Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a 100,000 mile radiator. This generally means that the radiator will not need servicing till after the car reaches 100,000 miles. After you reach this mark it is important to clean out the Cavalier radiator every 50,000 miles.The engine, once broken in, will need some maintenance a little more than when the car was newer as to worn parts and daily usage. The Cavalier (with a high RPM motor) will run hotter than a mid-size car. The coolant system needs to be running at peak performance to keep up with the motor and the heat that it will generate.
Locate the petcock valve on the bottom portion of the radiator. The valve will be on the back bottom to the right side.
Place a large empty tub underneath the radiator. You don't want to let any antifreeze on the ground.
Loosen the petcock valve with a pair of pliers. You will only need to turn it a couple of times to open it enough to drain the coolant.
Tighten the valve snugly until any dripping stops.
Open the hood compartment. Locate the radiator cap.
Loosen the radiator cap and take it off. You can perform a quick inspection on your cap by pushing on the back part of the cap. The back portion is spring loaded and should move back to the original position after it is let go. If not you can replace it.
Pour one gallon of antifreeze into the radiator. Check for any leaks as you pour the coolant in the system.
Pour 1 gallon of water into the radiator. Make sure the mixture is 50/50 of coolant and water. Repeat mixing until the radiator is full.
Crank the vehicle up. Leave the cap off. Allow the vehicle time to warm up. You will notice the coolant level dropping. The thermostat will open up and allow the coolant to flow through your motor.This is what makes your heater work.
Pour more coolant into the radiator until it is full. Try to keep the mix going.
Put the cap back on the radiator. The system needs to build pressure to work correctly.
